Load sustaining device



July 6, 29: 5 A. RATCLIFF ETAL LOAD SUSTAINING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Sept. 27, 1963 1NVENTOR5 Ram/7 4, 947mm: iv/1W #655955 JR.

BY I A Q z y 9 W65 R. A. RATCLIFF ETAL 3J3$53 LOAD SUSTAINING DEVICEFiled Sept. 27, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 BYM United StatcS Patent Oifiiice7 3,193,253 Patented July 6,1965

3,193,253 LQAB SUSTAINlNG DEVECE Ralph A. Ratclid, 130i) Sunnysiope Ave,Belmont, and John W. ears, J13, 1440 Kavanaugh Drive, East Palo Aito,Calif.

Filed ept. 27, 1963, Ser. No. 312,243 7 Claims. (*Cl. 254-7 3) Thisinvention relates generally to a load sustaining device and to a methodfor employing the same in supporting a load or securing a loadpositioned on a sustaining platform. More particularly this inventionrelates to a load sustaining device of the load binder type which isintended to bridge the gap between holddown elements positioned around aload on a platform and to apply tension to such holddown elements topreclude the load from shifting during movement thereof on atransporting vehicle or the like.

Still more particularly this invention relates to a light weight,portable, heavy duty load sustaining device of the load binder typewhich is extremely compact and simple in construction and which isextremely safe in its operating capability. In this connection, theinvention further relates to the method of employing and actuating thesubject device in sustaining a load engaged therewith.

While this invention relates primarily to load binders as isspecifically disclosed herein, it should be unden stood that variousfeatures thereof are equally well adapted for use in other related typesof load sustaining devices, such as portable hand operated chain hoistsand the like, and this invention should be interpreted accordingly.

In the embodiment illustrated, the subject device is employed as a loadbinder for securing a given load, such as a plurality of logs, on atransporting vehicle, such as the cradle carriage or platform of alogging truck. While one specific application of the subject device hasthus been illustrated, it should be understood that the subject loadbinder may be employed wherever presently known load binders areutilized. Furthermore, because of its novel compact construction, thesubject load binder may be utilized in positions in which heretoforeknown load binders could not be employed because of their bulky size.

In its broad sense, the subject device is of the pawl and ratchet typein that the mechanism it employs for positively maintaining the desiredtension on the hold-down elements positioned around a load preferablyincludes selectively disengageable pawl means in conjunction withratchet means defined by a rotatable sheave over which a chain type loadsustaining element passes. Heretofore known load binders of the pawl andratchet type have been extremely bulky and heavy in comparison to thesubject device and have embodied more complex constructions than that ofthe subject binder.

Load binders of lighter weight and less complex construction than theheretofore known pawl and ratchet binders also have been knownheretofore. These lighter weight and less complex devices are of thewell known over-center type which employ a toggle construction fortightening load holddovvn elements. By way of example, over-center loadbinders of the type commonly employed are illustrated at pages 27 and 28of catalog No. 950-2 pubilshed by the Crosby-Laughlin Division of theAmerican Hoist and Derrick Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Over-center load binders have certain inherent disadvantages whichfrequently are loverlooked in their acceptance by the trade because ofthe relatively low cost and relatively light weight and simpleconstruction of such binders. By way of example, over-center loadbinders make no provision for incremental adjustment when a load isbeing secured as is possible with pawl and ratchet type binders. Thatis, the toggle construction of overcenter binders makes it necessarythat the binder initially be engaged accurately with respect to theholddown elements passed around the load. If the user of an overcenterbinder does not accurately judge the proper position for the binder whenthe same is attached to load holddown elements, the load will either betoo loosely bound or it will not be possible to lock the binder togglein a secure holding position. Additionally, over-center load binders areeasily releasable in that the operating handle for the togglearrangement of such a binder is integral therewith. Thus, vandals ormischievous persons may intentionally release such a load binder therebycreating a very dangerous safety hazard. Also, overcenter load bindersrequire substantial head room in that separate conventional grab hooksand swivels are necessary therewith to permit attachment of the binderto the holddown elements passed around a load to be secured.

The abovementioned heretofore known pawl and ratchet type load bindersalso have certain of the above noted disadvantages of over-center loadbinders, such as the requirement of separate grab hooks and swivelswhich increase the bulk thereof and the head room required for use;also, such binders have integral handles which are accessible to vandalsor pranksters. Heretofore known pawl and ratchet type binders have thefurther disadvantage of numerous operating parts which make the samemore complex than the binder of this invention.

The load sustaining device of this invention has the followingadvantages, among others, over heretofore known load binders: it isappreciably lighter in weight than heretofore known pawl and ratchettype load binders and is comparable in weight to heretofore knownovercenter load binders; it requires no separate hook and swivel on itscasing thereby minimizing its cost and permitting the same to be used incloser quarters than binders heretofore known; it is extremely morecompact than binders of the over-center and pawl and ratchet typesheretofore known thereby adapting it for use in close contact with aload; its compact construction and minimum number of parts impartsextremely heavy duty capability thereto and make the same highlydependable and reliable when in use; its novel casing constructionpermits attachment of the same to a holddown element passed around aload to be secured without damaging by deforming, twisting or otherwiseweakening the holddown element; the load secured thereby cannot bereleased by vandals or pranksters in that the operating handle isseparate from the binder when the binder is in use; and the load issecurely held by simple high strength positive holding pawl means whichis selectively disengageable to permit controlled release of a loadsecured thereby.

From the foregoing it should be understood that objects of thisinvention include the provision of a load sustaining device which isextremely compact, sturdy and highly reliable; the provision of such adevice which obviates the need of a separate swivel or hook inconjunction with the casing thereof; the provision of such a devicewhich includes means for positively yet releasably sustaining a load;the provision of such a device which may be operated in step fashion torelease a load under controlled highly safe condition; the provision ina load binding device of a casing which includes therein a recess forpositively receiving a holddown element; the provision of such a devicewhich does not employ an operating handle positively secured therewith;the provision for use in conjunction with a load binding device of anovel separable operating handle; and the provision of a method foremploying a load binding device of the chain type to secure or support aload. These and other 0bjects will become evident from the followingdescription in which reference is directed to the accompanying drawingsfor a further understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally schematically a plurality of loadsustaining devices embodying the subject invention employed to bind aload to a transporting vehicle. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of thesubject device illustrating details thereof and a procedure foroperating the same to bind a load.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the subject device.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the casing of the subjectdevice taken in the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are vertical sectional views through the subject deviceillustrating two incremental steps of the holding means thereofsustaining a load. 7

When hereinafter reference is directed generally to a chain type loadsustaining element passing through the casing of the subject device, itshould be understood that term is meant to include, Where applicable,other types of load sustaining elements in addition to the rollerlesschain illustrated, such as coil chain or flexible wire rope or cable.These other types of elements may be employed when the exact type ofload sustaining element chosen performs no functional effect withrespect to operation of the device other than sustaining the loadapplied to the device.

Before describing details of the subject load binder, reference isdirected to FIG. 1 which shows a plurality of the subject devicesexemplarily employed in binding a load in place. In the logging industryit is common to pile a plurality of freshly cut logs on the cradleplatform or flat bed of a trailer to be pulled by a truck or tractor. Asuitable platform 1 is positioned above the wheels 2 of such a trailerin known fashion and a plurality of logs 3 to be transported to thesawmill or other location is stacked thereon.

Along the length of such an elongated load being transported arepositioned a series of holddown elements 4 and 6 which extend around theload at spaced locations. It is between the adjacent free ends 8 and 9of these holddown elements that the subject load binding devices,generally designated 7, are operatively interposed. In some instancesthe ends 8 and 9 of the holddown elements may be part of one continuouselement passed around the load. In many cases, the respective holddownelements 4 and 6 are two discrete elements secured to the transportingvehicle in any suitable and well known manner. event, connectingtogether and applying tension to the ends 8 and 9 of the holddownelements will secure the load against shifting.

At their ends 8 and 9 the respective holddown elements generally havelengths of coil chain secured, the links of which are to be connectedwith the load binder selected to bind the load in place. In theillustrated embodiment of the holddown elements, the coil chain sectionsprovided at ends 8 and 9 are secured to lengths of flexible wire cableby means of known-closed eye connections 11 defined by bent and tiedcable ends, as seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings. In many cases, however,the holddown elements are defined entirely by chains of the coil type.

As mentioned previously, the subject load binder is of extremely compactconstruction which permits the same to be used in close quarters whenrequired. In this re gard, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the compactnessof the subject load binder is illustrated in that the binder has beenshown in approximately one-half scale. Because this binder completelyeliminates the need for a separate hook and swivel in conjunction withits head, the binder has extremely limited headroom dimensions so thatit maybe used in very close quarters.

The extreme sturdiness of the subject device is attributable to itssimple construction and its compact one piece head. The head in theillustrated embodiment is defined by casing 12, which is to be connecteddirectly with one of the aforementioned holddown elements when thedevice is used to secure a load. The casing preferably is cast in onepiece from a high strength metal, such as alloy steel. As will bedescribed, the casing is operatively connected with another operativepart of the device which in turn is to be connected with. anotherholddown element.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the casing is designed to include arear wall 13 which has a generally flat'outer face which permits thebinder to be positioned snugly against a load being secured. As seen inFIG. 4, the casing also includes opposite side walls 14 and 16 whichcooperate with the generally flat rear wall 13 and an apertured frontwall 17 in defining an internal central chamber 18. A small diameterchain sheave 19 having a plurality of spaced teeth extending radiallytherefrom is rotatably mounted in the chamber 18. In this regard, thetoothed sheave is mounted on a shaft 21 journalled for rotation in bores22 and 23 provided in the opposite sidewalls of the casing. Thesidewalls of the casing are of increased thickness in the areasbordering the bores and thus provide an internal bearing hub whichfurther enhances the compactness of "the casing. Preferably shaft 21 andsheave 19 are press fitted together to rotate as a unit.

As also seen in FIG. ,4, the shaft and sheave are retained in operativeposition in the casing by means of a split ring 24 positioned in anannular groove 26 formed in the shaft inwardly from one end thereof.Thus, inadvertent separation of the shaft and the sheave from the casingis positively precluded.

' bodiment illustrated the load sustaining element is a link In any 4chain of the rollerless type. In this regard, while referencehereinafter will be directed to a rollerless chain passing through thecasing, it should be understood that other equivalent types of chain,such as a roller chain also could be employed if preferred.

Chain 27 passes over and generally around the sheave in the casing withthe teeth of the sheave engaged between the chain links as seen in FIGS.5 and 6. The chain projects or depends from the bottom of the casingthrough a suitable slot or opening 28 therein in two parallel runs orreaches 29 and 31. To'the free end of the no-load chain reach 29 issecured a grip ring 32. This grip ring "may take various forms and inthe illustrated embodiment comprises an oval loop secured to the lastlink of the chain reach by riveting or the like. The grip ring performsthe dual function of precluding passage of chain reach 29 completelythrough the casing and also provides means graspable by an operator tofacilitate removal of slack from the chain during operation of the loadbinder as will be described.

At the free end of the load sustaining chain reach 31 is secured meansfor operatively connecting the load binder with a holddown elementpositioned around a load to be secured. In the embodiment illustrated,the means thus provided comprises a hook member 33 designed to receivein secure engagement therewith one of the links of the coil chain end 9of the aforementioned holddown element 6. The hook 33 is designed tostraddle the link graspedthereby for the purpose to be described.

' Also mounted on the casing partially within the chamber 18 mentionedpreviously and partially externally of the casing for access by theoperator of the load binder is means for positively sustaining the loadconnected with chainreach 31 of the binder. Such means performs'itsintended function by positively restraining rotation of the sheave 19inone direction. In FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 rotation of the sheave is precludedin the counterclockwise direction when such means is engaged with thesheave or a link of chain 27. The rotation restraining means precludesrotation in only one direction so that slack may be easily removed fromthe chain 27 after attachment of the load binder to the holddownelements around a load upon pulling downwardly on the grip ring 32. Uponsuch pulling, rotation of the sheave in a clockwise direction as viewedin FIGS. 2. 5 and 6 is permitted in that the rotation restraining meansmerely rides over the sheave and chain and does not interfere withmovement thereof in the clockwise direction as described.

The rotation restraining means illustrated comprises a single springurged pawl 3 pivotally mounted on a pin 36 passing through and pressfitted in bores 37 and 33 provided in the side walls of the casinggenerally above the aforementioned sheave mounting shaft 21. Springmeans is employed in conjunction with the pawl for urging the samenormally into rotation restraining engagement with the sheave 19 and thelinks of chain 27 passing thereover. In the illustrated embodiment suchspring means comprises a coil spring 39 which surrounds the pawlmounting pin 36 and has one end thereof engaged with the pawl internallyof the casing and which has its other end engaged with the casingexterior, as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

Pawl 34 also includes a handle portion 41 which projects from theapertured front wall 17 of the casing and is readily accessibleexternally of the casing. Upon pressing inwardly on the handle portion41 the pawl may be rotated about the axis of pawl pin 36 in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6 so that the pawlmay be disengaged from the sheave and chain it the load binder is notunder load. In this connection, the inner end of the pawl 34 is providedwith a concave seat 42 designed to mate in slip proof close conformitywith both the bushings of the chain links of chain 27, as seen in FIG.5, and with the sides of the teeth of the sheave, as seen in FIG. 6.

In either instance, positive restraint against rotation of the sheaveand movement of the chain through the casing in a counterclockwisedirection is precluded when the pawl is thus engaged. The pawl is thusarranged to engage in alternate steps of fine adjustment a bushing ofchain link and a tooth of the sheave. Thus short increments ofadjustment are obtainable so that maximum effectiveness in tighteningand securing a load may be accomplished. It should be understood in thisregard, referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, that to tighten a load byapplying tension to holddown elements engaged with the binder the sheaveand chain must move relative to the casing in a clockwise directionthereby drawing the hook member 33 upwardly closer to the casing. Foreach increment of movement of the chain and sheave, reverse movementthereof is positively precluded by the pawl 3d snapping into positiveholding engagement with the next succeeding chain bushing or sheavetooth.

To release a load sustained by the binder, it is merely necessary totake the load momentarily ofi? the pawl 42 by rotating the chain andsheave slightly in a clockwise direction to permit the concave end 42 ofthe pawl to clear its associated chain bushing or sheave tooth.Thereafter, by depressing the handle portion 43 of the pawl, the pawlmay be disengaged from the chain or sheave to permit letting off of theload one increment. By repeating this procedure, the load may be let oifa sufiicient number of successive increments until the load is fullyreleased (i.e. tension is removed from the holddown elements) to permitthe pawl to be held disengaged from the chain and sheave. Then the chainand sheave may be rotated freely in a counterclockwise direction toprovide su. icient play in the chain to permit disengagement of the loadbinder from the holddown elements.

As will be described hereinafter, a novel feature of this inventionincludes a novel operating procedure and method for tightening orreleasing a load sustained by the binder.

As noted previously an important feature of this invention resides inthe fact that the casing of the subject load binder is so formed thatthe need for a separate grab hook and swivel attachment of the typecommonly required heretofore to permit attachment of a load binder to aholddown element is completely obviated. In this regard, the casing isprovided adjacent its top with a holddown element receiving recess,generally designated 46. It is in such recess that links of the coilchain end S of the holddown element 4 are slidably receivable yetsecurely retainable when all slack is removed from the chain 27 of thebinder. Thus the holddown element may be engaged directly with thecasing rather than with a separate hook and swivel as heretoforerequired.

The chain receiving recess 46 in the illustrated embodiment comprises apair of narrow slot-like communicating channel portions which permit thecoil links of chain 8 to be easily inserted into the recess andpositively retained therein when the binder is under load. In thisregard, recess 46 includes a first channel portion 47 which extendsinwardly and upwardly towards the top of the casing from the side wall14. thereof. Channel portion 47 communicates internally and generallycentrally of the casing with a second channel portion 4h which extendsgenerally upright to and through the top of the casing. Channel portion48 also is open to the side of the casing defined by wall 14 as seenbest in FIG. 2.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the chain 3 is receivable in positivenon-slip fashion in recess 46 with one chain link engaged in thegenerally laterally extending channel 47 while another and adjacent linkis received in the upright channel 48. The recess thus is contoured toreceive the coil chain link therein.

The upper portion of the casing in effect comprises an integral hookformed in one piece with the casing to completely eliminate the need fora separate swivel arrangement and grab hook as in prior constructions.Because the novel hook providing recess construction is formed in thecasing directly and straddles the chain links in claw fashion, notwisting, turning or other deformation of the chain 8 is produced asusually results with binders employing grab hooks and swivels. Thus,chain damaging torques and twisting moments necessarily encountered withprior binders are precluded.

In this regard, it should be noted, as shown in FIG. 2, the holddownchain 8 is directly in line with the axis of the load sustaining reach31 of chain 27 on which the load supporting hook 33 is positioned. Thusthe binder is connected directly in line with the direction of stress ofthe load sustained thereby.

Preferably hook 33 employed on the end of the load sustaining chainreach 31 is provided with a chain link receiving recess 49 defined by apair of communicating first and second channel portions generally of thetype described previously with respect to the recess 45 formed integralwith the binder casing. Thus, as seen in F265. 2 and 3, the hook member33 may be securely engaged in straddling relationship with adjacentlinks of the holddown chain 9 without imparting twisting or torsionalbending to the chain. This similarly precludes damage to the chain andprevents inadvertent and accidental breakage due to twisting ordistortion thereof of the type encountered with prior devices employinggrab hooks and swivels on the load sustaining chain reach of a binder.

As noted previously, a further important feature of this inventionresides in the fact that the same has a built-in safety feature when aload is secured which precludes tampering by unwarranted persons. Thisis accomplished by separating the operating handle from the remainder ofthe load binder construction so that the operating handle is notaccessible to unauthorized persons when the binder is employed in a tiedown arrangement such as illustratively shown in FIG. 1. Because thereis no operating handle positioned at the binder and operatively securedthereto, and because the holding pawl 34 may not be disengaged while thebinder is under load, intentional or accidental release of the load byunauthorized persons is precluded.

The subject binder includes as an important but sep- 7 arable operatingpart therof an operating handle. A handle 51 of the type shown in FIG. 2is designed for use with the illustrated binder and is well suited forits intended purpose. For simplicity in manufacturing, it is preferredthat the operating handle 51 is formed in two parts comprising solidchain engaging end portion 52 and an elongated tubular graspable portion53 press fitted or otherwise secured over a reduced projecting neck 54of the end portion 52.. It has been found that a tubular graspableportion of about 14 in length secured to a solid end. portion ofapproximately 4" in length will provide adequate leverage required foroperation of the binder. The end portion 52 is generally rectangular incross section and, as seen in PEG. 2, is dimensioned to fit throughchain links and extend between the parallel'reaches 29 and 31 of thechain 27. t one end 56, handle end portion 52 is provided a concavechain engaging seat 57 in its upper surface. This seat is contoured inconformance with the curvature of the bushings of the chain 27 passingthrough the binder casing. Thus, the end 56 of the handle portion 52 hasa somewhat hook shape appearance.

Spaced inwardly from end 56a distance generally equal to the spacingbetween the two reaches of the chain as determined by the size of thechain sheave 1? is a second depressed seat 58 formed in the bottomsurface of the handle end portion 52. Seat 58 similarly is contoured toconform closely with the rounded periphery of the bushings of the chain27 with which the handle is to be 7 employed. In FIG. 2 several sideplates of the chain the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 to the tubularend portion of the operating handle. Thus, the seat 58 of the handle endportion cooperates with the chain link bushing engaged thereby so thatthe seat 53 and bushing together serve as a fulcrum about which the end56 of the handle portion 52 may rotate upwardly to thus carry the chainreach 31 and the load sustained thereby upwardly therewith.

Under normal conditions, each time the operating handle is positionedthrough the parallel reaches of the chain, the chain may be movedthrough several increments of engagement with the pawl 34. It should beunderstood that no manipulation of the pawl is required when the load isbeing tightened in the manner described because the pawl merely ridesover the chain and sheave. Depending upon the amount of play to be takenup in the holddown elements, the handle may be employed in 'one positionas shown in FIG. 2, removed from the chain, and reinserted if requiredat another appropriate position, and the operation just describedrepeated. It also should be understood of course that prior toemployment of the handle as described that all play possible has beentaken out of the chain merely by pulling on the grip ring 32 at the freeend of chain reach 29 as described previously.

When it is desired to release a load sustained by the load binder,handle 51 is positioned as shown in FIG. 2 and the load is takentemporarily by exerting downward pressure on the handle with one handuntil the lower end of the pawl 34 may be freed by the other hand fromuntil the pawl engages another sheave tooth or chain bushing to restrainfurther rotation. By thus repeatedly taking and letting otl'on the loadwith one hand while simultaneously manipulating'the pawl with the freehand, the operator may loosen the load the amount required until tensionis removed from the hoiddown elements surrounding the load sothat thechain 27 may be pulled freely through the casing of the binder when thepawl is held disengaged. Thereafter, it is a simple'matter to slide thechain ends of the holddown elements from engagement with the casing andhook members 33 to separate the binder from the load.

By thus employing a separate operating handle, a simple arrangementemploying the chain itself as an operating fulcrum is provided which hasthe additional tamper proof safety advantages mentioned previously. Thefact that the subject load binder has no integral handle operativelyconnected therewith when the handle is not in use is further importantin that it minimizes the weight which must be manipulated when anoperator is positioning a binder to secure a load.

Having thus made a full disclosure on this invention reference isdirected to'the appended claims for the scope to be afforded thereto.

Weclaim:

1. A load binding device separable from the ends of adjacent lengthsofcoil chain holddown elements to be interconnected thereby, said.device comprising a casing, a sheave rotatably mounted in said casing, aload sustaining chain elements separate from said holddown elementsengaged with and passing over said sheave and projecting from saidcasing in generally parallel reaches, a holding pawl pivotally mountedon said casing adjacent the front thereof and normally spring urged intoengagement 'With said sheave and with said load sustaining element'forpositively precluding rotation of said sheave and movement of said loadsustaining element through said casing, said casing adjacent its tophaving a recess therein contoured to receive adjacent links of one ofsaid holddown elements therein, said recess adapting said device to bedirectly connected with said one holddown element so that the need for aseparate hook and swivel arrangement in conjunction with said casing isobviated, said recess being defined by first and second communicatingchannel portions, one of said channel portions extending generallyupright in said casing and opening generally to the' top of said casing,the other of said channel portions extending generally laterally of saidcasing and opening generally to a side of. said casing in a directiongenerally away from said pawl, whereby said one holddown element may beengaged directly in said recess from I element comprises a rollerlesstype link chain passing over said sheave with said sheave teethprojecting between adjacent links of said chain so that said pawl isengageable directly and alternately with each link of such chain andwith each tooth of said sheave, whereby fine incrementaladjustment ofsaid device may be obtained. 3.'The device of claim 2 wherein said pawlhas its inner end normally positioned within said casing, said inner endbeing formed with a generally concave seat, said 'seat'being contouredgenerally in conformity with the configuration of the links of saidchain element and said sheave teeth to be engaged thereby to minimizethe possib111ty of accidental disengagement of said pawl therefrom whensaid device is in use.

4. The device of claim 1 in which said pawl includes a handle portionprojecting freely beyond said casing at the front thereof which isreadily accessible externally of said casing without interference fromsaid one hold down element.

5. The device of claim 1 in which said means on said one chain reachincludes a hook having a recess therein contoured to straddle links ofsaid other hold down element so that the need for a swivel to attachsaid hook to said one chain reach is obviated, said hook recess beingdefined by first and second communicating channel portions adapted toreceive said links of said other holddown element therein in twist freefashion.

5. The device of claim 1 which includes an operating handle separatefrom said casing which is selectively insertable between the links ofsaid par llel reaches of said load sustaining chain element foreffecting movement of said reaches of said chain element in oppositedirections and rotation of said sheave during operation of said device,the end of said handle being contoured in accordance with the links ofsaid chain element to be received therein.

7. A load sustaining device interposable between and separable fromadjacent ends of holddown elements to be interconnected thereby, saiddevice comprising a casing, a sheave rotatably mounted in said casing, aload sus taining element which is separate from said holddown elementspassing over said sheave and projecting from said casing in generallyparallel reaches, holding means pivotally mounted on said casingadjacent the front thereof engageable with said sheave and with saidload sustaining element for precluding movement of said load sustainingelement through said casing, said casing adja- 10 cent its top having arecess therein contoured to receive an end portion of one of saidhold-down elements directly therein, said recess adapting said device tobe directly connected with said one holddown element so that the needfor a separate hook and swivel arrangement in conjunction with saidcasing is obviated, said recess extending between the top of said casingand a side thereof spaced from said pivotally mounted holding meanswhereby said end portion of said one holddown element may be engaged insaid recess without becoming fouled with or interfering with operationof said holding means, means on one end of said lead sustaining elementengageable with the other of said holddown elements, and handle meansseparate from said casing and engageable with said load sustainingelement for eifecting rotation of said sheave.

References Cited by the Examiner UNETED STATES PATENTS 333,787 1/86Sickler et a1. 254-65 810,099 1/06 Warner 25474 X 2,049,710 8/35Livingston 25474 X 2,621,020 12/52 Call 254-78 2,649,280 8/53Rausenberger et al. 254-168 2,704,200 3/55 Call 254-78 X WELLIAMFELDMAN, Primary Examiner. MELT-ON S. MEI-1R, Examiner.

1. A LOAD BINDING DEVICE SEPARABLE FROM THE ENDS OF ADJACENT LENGTHS OFCOIL CHAIN HOLDDOWN ELEMENTS TO BE INTERCONNECTED THEREBY, SAID DEIVCECOMPRISING A CASING, A SHEAVE ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN SAID CASING, A LOADSUSTAINING CHAIN ELEMENTS SEPARATE FROM SAID HOLDDOWN ELEMENTS ENGAGEDWITH AND PASSING OVER SAID SHEAVE AND PROJECTING FROM SAID CASSING INGENERALLY PARALLEL REACHES, A HOLDING PAWL PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAIDCASING ADJACENT THE FRONT THEEREOF AND NORMALLY SPRING URGED INTOENGAGEMENT WITH SAID SHEAVE AND WITH SADI LOAD SUSTAINING ELEMENT FORPOSITIVELY PRECLUDING ROTATION OF SAID SHEAVE AND MOVEMENT OF SAID LOADSUSTAINING ELEMENT THROUGH SAID CASING, SAID CASING ADJACENT ITS TOPHAVING A RECESS THEREIN CONTOURED TO RECEIVE ADJACENT LINKS OF ONE OFSAID HOLDDOWN ELEMENTS THEREIN, SAID RECESS ADAPTING SAID DEVICE TO BEDIRECTIVELY CONNECTED WITH SAID ONE HOLDDOWN ELEMENT SO THAT THE NEEDFOR A SEPARATE HOOK AND SWIVEL ARRANGEMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAIDCASING IS OBVIATED, SAID RECESS BEING DEFINED BY FIRST AND SECONDCOMMUNICATING CHANNEL PORTIONS, ONE OF SAID CHANNEL PORTIONS EXTENDINGGENERALLY UPRIGHT IN SAID CASING AND OPENING GENERALLY TO THE TOP OFSAID CASING, THE OTHER OF SAID CHANNEL PORTIONS EXTENDING GENERALLYLATERALLY OF SAID CASING AND OPENING GENERALLY TO A SIDE OF SAID CASINGIN A DIRECTION GENERALLY AWAY FROM SAID PAWL, WHEREBY SAID ONE HOLDDOWNELEMENT MAY BE ENGAGED DIRECTLY IN SAID RECESS CHAIN SAID SIDE OF SAIDCASING WITHOUT BECOMING RECESS FROM CONTACTING SAID PAWL, AND MEANS ONONE OF SAID CHAIN RECHES ENGAGEABLE WITH THE OTHER OF SAID HOLDDOWNELEMENTS.